SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

Plans for retirement are important to start thinking about during your career. There are many ways to plan for retirement by investing your money. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. In recent years, more investors have been reaching for the real estate industry. Investors purchase homes and rent them to tenants, creating a stable form of income with little expenses. Real estate isn’t always easy to invest in, but it is more stable. Stocks have the tendencies to rise and fall with investment trends over the course of a year; however, a rental property with a locked in lease generates predictable and stable income. This is ideal for risk adverse investors, or investors who are getting a later start in building their portfolio. There are many opportunities to invest in real estate. The first of which being crowdfunding . This new concept is to split up the cost of a venture (or in our case, property) into sections and having different investors purc...

Florida’s abundance of REO inventory could be a blessing in disguise for national and international real estate investors. According to Core Logic, the single family home rental market is stable and shows a good amount of activity. This has the potential to give these investors return on investments that are far above most in the country. The predictions come from examining the capitalization rates amongst many different markets nationwide, and Florida, coupled with a few states in the mid-west, are at the top of the list. The rates are calculated by assessing the annual cash flow relative to the price at which they purchased the property. This has been our reality and has been relatively stable since 2010 in Florida. A factor that is causing our capitalization rate to increase partly stems from the discounts investors receive when purchasing real estate owned distressed properties, which is usually around 30%. If more sales come to fruition, these discounts could be larger for in...

When it comes to foreign investors searching for a lucrative real estate return, Florida ranks number one in the US, especially among Cubans, Haitians, and Colombians. The National Association of Realtors data shows that almost a third of all home purchases in Florida, come from foreign residents. With the constant struggles of qualifying for mortgages these days in the US, many of these foreign investors are in a better position because they are cash buyers. Many Cubans see investing in Florida as a safe bet because the concept of owning real estate is still a novelty to them. Now that direct flights to and from Cuba are in full swing, the Tampa Bay area can expect to see an increase in Cuban interest. There are currently about 80,000 Cuban Americans in the Tampa Bay area, all of which are excited that they do not have to travel to Miami for a flight to the island. Another factor that may increase investor activity is the number of home foreclosures in 2011. Down almost 34% from t...

In 2011, real estate remains a true buyer’s market. In Tampa, prices are the lowest in the last decade and interest rates at historic lows, now is the time to purchase real estate. Whether it is your dream home, a vacation home, or an investment property you need to make sure you are looking at the big picture. Buyers now more than ever need to be savvy to recognize the good value when they see it. Realty Times just published an article this week, “ Savvy Buyers Know Value When They See It ”. In this PJ Wade , compiles a list that all buyers should review before their next real estate purchase. She reminds all buyers that you do not need to approve of a sellers color scheme or décor, rather look beyond superficial things to the bones of a home. To help keep you on track during your purchase remember this important tips. Be prepared if the first showing is the right place Most buyers are anticipating the first house to not meet their expectations. If you go into the first house ...

Although there has been a high number of a sale in the Tampa Bay real estate market the last couple of months, the industry is sending some mixed signals. What is happening in our changing market? According to The Tampa Tribune , “Homes sales are climbing, up 16 percent from a year ago and 24 percent from last month”. However since there is such a high number of bank owned and distressed properties, the median sale price is only $111,100. Of the 2,375 real estate sales in Tampa in February 2011, a large majority were bought by investors. They see properties in distress, prices continuing to decline and investors are cashing in. The spring selling season is around the corner however, and projections are expecting more traditional homebuyers to start jumping in. Most first time and repeat homebuyers are not interested in the distressed properties. They start off looking at the price tag, but are not prepared to deal with the challenges once viewing the property. They see the value ...

The Real estate market is still changing. Homes are selling every day however, buyers have changed their expectations. Keeping you informed on what to expect when buying or selling a property in today’s market. 1. Buyers are opting for smaller homes Constraints on housing market really have made buyers reevaluate what is necessary in their next home purchase. A study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals that homes are expected to be ten percent smaller in the next couple of years. “To save on square footage, the living room is high on the endangered list-52 percent of builders expect it to merge with other spaces in the home by 2015 and 30 percent said it would vanish entirely.” 2. Heavy influence on purchase decisions can be swayed in favor of green and eco friendly properties The NAHB reports that not only floor plans are changing. “68 percent of builders are including green and eco-friendly features by 2015. This includes low-E windows, en...

We all know that the housing market has had some challenges in the last couple of years. As the real estate market starts to even out, housing affordability is higher than recorded in over twenty years. This means middle income families can comfortably afford to purchase their own home. The National Association of Home Builder/Wells Fargo records a Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) every year. This index compares the median income of families in a specified area compared to the income needed to comfortably afford a home purchase. This year they report, “73.9 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400.” This statistic is significant because it is the highest percentage on record since they started collecting this data in 1991. How does this compare to the Tampa Bay market? The HOI in Tampa is 78.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010, with a median income of $59,400. The Tampa real estat...

The papers and the television are filled with stories about the real estate market here in Tampa, Florida and elsewhere around the country, leaving most people confused and perplexed. Well, how about an up close and personal look at what is really happening from an insider’s view…that of our Real Estate Broker who works in this marketplace every day. With so much press and talk about how questionable the real estate market is, you may be surprised to hear what is going on out on the streets of Tampa’s real estate market. The drop in real prices has caused an interesting shift in the marketplace. Properties are selling like hot cakes. Local, national and international investors are buying properties like there is no tomorrow. They realize with the prices where they are now that they just can’t lose by putting their investment dollars into the real estate market. Investors with cash are gobbling up homes, townhouses and condominiums just about as fast as they come on the market. Buy...

This has been an exciting year in the real estate market in Tampa, Florida. The real estate market moved at a fast pace in the first half of the year when the federal government decided to extend the 2009 Homebuyer Tax Credit. Originally, the tax credit was to end on November 30, 2009. However, the 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit was extended so that those with a binding contract on or before April 30, 2010 and closing on or before June 30, 2010 would be able to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to become a homeowner. This fueled the real estate market in a big way. Another major force in the real estate market this year has been the abundance of REOs (bank owned) properties that were for sale on the market. These properties sold just about as quickly as they were listed. Not only did they sell quickly, but they received multiple offers which caused an interesting bidding situation for all involved parties. This resulted in a serious reduction in the housing invento...

SI Real Estate has specialized in working with international real estate clientele for many years, and it appears that many other REALTORS® in Tampa, Florida and around the nation are learning the importance of understanding this sector of the real estate marketplace. The real estate market continues to enjoy a large international investor pool of buyers. This is great for the real estate market and the economy as a whole as it helps to reduce inventory of properties for sale and will lead to housing price stabilization. The 2010 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in New Orleans that was held in the first week of November had a series of international discussions to gain global real estate insights during the “Bringing International Real Estate Practices to the U.S.” seminar at the conference. S. Nicolai Kolding, partner at REAL trends and Murray Consulting, spoke about the real estate landscape saying, “As a real estate professional, especially one that works with international client...

At SI Real Estate , we are keenly aware of the fact that international investors continue to seek to purchase real estate in Florida and in other regions in the United States. We have seen a steady influx of foreign investors who are actively investing in our Tampa Bay housing market. While some naysayers about the real estate market here in Tampa, have been sitting idly by, the global investor community are buying real estate, and making money doing it! Some may ask, “Just who is it that is investing in our real estate market?” Well, the latest profile of international activity in the U.S. housing market published by the National Association of Realtors® has revealed many interesting figures regarding that question. Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate (2010) – The Stats (Realtors Report) shows the biggest finding was in the state by state breakdown of foreign purchases. The report shows that Florida had 22% of the transactions by international purchasers, California had 12%, Ari...

Investors…That’s Who! Local, national and international investors are putting their real estate investment dollars into Tampa, Florida real estate. And why wouldn’t they? Tampa is truly a destination city. Fabulous weather year-round, sparkling beaches, super shopping spots, wonderful restaurants for casual and fine dining, and world-class tourist attractions here in Tampa and in nearby Orlando make this a fantastic place to be. Combine the fact that Tampa is a beautiful place to live, and realize the unbelievable deals here in the real estate market, and it becomes a no-brainer. Tampa, Florida is a great place for investors wishing to purchase real estate! It is no secret that property values took a major dip when the real estate bubble burst and much of the real estate that is on the market are properties at fire-sale prices! The statement that it is a buyer’s market is absolutely true. SI Real Estate is anticipating the next wave of bank-owned assets will provide even greater...

Just the Facts! There is so much talk and press about whether now is the time to buy real estate in Tampa, Florida. Well, let us let you in on a not-so-little secret. Whether locals have come to realize it or not, real estate is a hot commodity to international investors. Canadians, South Americans, Europeans, Russians and Middle Easterners are all pouring money, usually cash, into our real estate market, right here and right now. Tampa, Florida is a destination city for the international community. Its location plays a big part as we are near multiple international airports, making traveling here a breeze. A huge consideration for the Canadian investors is that we are actually a drive market for them. Not only can they hop on a plane, but they can jump in their car and be here in no time flat. Additionally, Tampa is only a 20-40 minute drive to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Orlando being just an hour away offers world-class fun to the international traveler. What is t...

Many benefits come with the purchase of your home, such as having a place of your own, having stable housing costs, having a sound investment, having a financial stepping stone and even having access to tax benefits. There are important criteria that should be considered when buying a home, regardless if you are a first-time home buyer , second home buyers or real estate investor. Knowing the home buying process will help make your experience a smooth and pleasurable one. Set the stage for an easier home buying process. 1. Find professionals you can trust. - Ask questions and express your concerns up front. - Learn what to expect — and what will be expected of you. - The right people will walk you through, talk you through — and see you through! 2. Start with getting pre-approved. - Loan pre-approval gives you a rough estimate of how much you may be able to borrow. The process will help you figure out how much you can afford. 3. Determine the right financing for you. - There are many l...

While some U.S. buyers may still be uncertain whether or not it is time to step off the fence and buy their dream home or condo in Florida, international investors are showing increased confidence in an early Florida real estate market recovery and are quickly taking advantage of the deeply discounted prices. Foreign buyers continue to recognize the U.S. real estate market as a desirable, profitable and secure investment and the weak U.S. dollar partnered with the housing surplus has made the U.S., and particularly the Florida, real estate market even more attractive, according to an article by the Gerson Lehrman Group. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors , in cooperation with the Florida Association of Realtors , half of the Florida Realtors surveyed indicated that more than 25% of their business now comes from international clients. These foreign investors come from all over the world and have shown a particular interest in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota-Bra...

Cash buyers are grabbing deals at rock bottom prices in the Tampa Bay real estate market. According to the market statistics provided by the Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS® ( GTAR ), in April of this year 38% of all financing was cash. This is more than a 10% increase from April of 2008. Cash financing increased from 285 transactions in April of last year to 508 this year. FHA and VA financing has also seen an increased from last year, although not as drastic. Conventional financing has decreased from 555 transactions to 394, signifying that a majority of real estate transactions being made in the Tampa Bay area this year are by cash buyers. According to the same report from GTAR, homes sales have increased from 897 in April of last year to 992 in April of this year, with more than 3,424 total homes being sold to date in 2009. Market activity is definitely moving quickly in Tampa, Florida.